Ground the key for Back In Focus

Ground conditions at Cheltenham will be crucial as to whether Back In Focus takes his chance in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Friday week.

The Irish point-to-point recruit looked to have a huge future when dismissing the smart Court In Motion in a Grade Two in very testing ground at Haydock last month on his debut under Rules.

Johnson said: "He would run in the Albert Bartlett if it was easy ground, it would have to be on the soft side - he loves heavy ground.

"I know it's not going to be heavy, but if there was enough cut he would run.

"He must have it easy so we'll leave him in and see, but if it's not right, he won't go."

Back In Focus is general ante-post favourite, at around 7-1, for the Albert Bartlett.